Apparatus for Dispensing Treats

ABSTRACT

A dispensing device that can store a plurality of treats and sequentially release a single treat is provided. The dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,562 filed Oct. 22, 2008, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,102 filed Jun. 11, 2008, the disclosures of which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing a single treat at a time, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for dispensing treats which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On Halloween it is customary for children to dress up in costumes and go door to door to receive treats such as candy. This is commonly known as trick-or-treating. Presently, it has become popular for parents to accompany their children and chaperone them. However, when the parents and children trick-or-treat, their own house is unattended and children that trick-or-treat at that house will be disappointed because they will not receive treats. One way of handling this is to leave a container of treats on the doorstep of the unattended house. However, this practice is undesirable for various reasons. Namely, a child may take numerous treats from the container, thereby depleting the amount of treats remaining in the container for other children. Another problem is that this practice poses a potential safety risk if someone were to adulterate the treats in the container.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dispensing device which dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires a period of time between each dispensation to discourage a child from taking more than one treat. It would also be desirable to provide a dispensing device that could be used to dispense treats at times other than Halloween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing device that dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation. More particularly, the dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. An actuating mechanism is provided for actuating the dispenser to move the dispenser incrementally from the first position to the second position. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.

A method is also disclosed for providing treats at an unattended location. A device is initially mounted to a supporting surface. The device is allowed to be actuated by an user. A period of time is imposed prior to dispensing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following Detailed Description of the Invention, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing device, which shows a treat loaded in a dispenser;

FIG. 3 is a front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 2, where the dispenser has rotated, causing one of the treats to be released from the dispenser while blocking another treat from entering the dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism for actuating the dispenser;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 4, which shows the portion of the actuating mechanism in an activated position;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism showing a lever arm pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 8 is rear view similar to the view shown in FIG. 7, showing the lever arm pivoted downwardly;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines 9-9 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein an actuating mechanism is a rotatable knob;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided;

FIG. 14 is a front view showing an another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is preloaded with treats;

FIG. 15 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is a L-shaped member;

FIG. 16 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position;

FIG. 17 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 16, where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the dispensing device with a cover sheet;

FIG. 20 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position;

FIG. 21 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 20, where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 23 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a partially cut away front view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24, where the dispenser is in a loading position;

FIG. 26 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 25, where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position; and

FIG. 31 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 30, where the dispenser is in a dispensing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described in connection with FIGS. 1-9 which shows a dispensing device adapted to hold a plurality of items, articles, or treats (e.g., spherical containers of candy or any other desirable object such as a trinket or a useful product, generally spherically shaped candy, etc.) and to dispense a single treat or article at a time. The present invention has particular use during Halloween, but it should be understood, that it could also be used during other holidays, other occasions or at any other desirable time. Also, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with other types of items or articles (e.g., Christmas ball ornaments). The invention could even be used as part of a behavioral program, such as, for example, an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) program, where rewards are given for encouraging behavior.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing device 10 that is used to dispense a plurality of treats 12, such as balls containing candy. The dispensing device 10 includes a housing 14 which contains a reservoir 16 for holding the treats 12 to be dispensed, a dispenser 18 for sequentially releasing the treats 12 from the reservoir 16, an actuating mechanism 20 for actuating the dispenser 18, a receptacle 22 accessible from the exterior of the housing 14, and a passageway 24 for the treats 12 to travel from the reservoir 16 to the receptacle 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the housing 14 includes a front wall 26 that has an opening 28 to provide access to the receptacle 22, a rear wall 30 that has an opening 32 to provide access to the reservoir 16, side walls 34, 36 connecting the front wall 26 to the rear wall 30, a top wall 38 interconnected with the side walls 34, 36, and a bottom wall 40 interconnected with the side walls 34, 36. The front, rear, side, top and bottom walls form a generally rectangular structure. The various walls can be attached together during the manufacturing process, as is known, depending on the materials used, or two or more of the walls can be formed integrally together.

The dispensing device 10 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, a pair of hooks 42, 44 could be provided extending from the top of the rear wall 30 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 10 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. As such, the hooks 42, 44 would extend over the top of the door and effectively lock the dispensing device 10 to the door when the door is closed and locked. Additionally, when attached and locked to a door, the reservoir opening 32, which will be hereinafter discussed, is inaccessible and the device cannot be ransacked for treats.

It is desirable that the front wall 26 is made at least partially of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, such that the interior of the housing 14, or a portion thereof, is visible to an user or observer. This feature may be advantageous for entertainment purposes, since the contents of the dispensing device 10 may attract interest. Of course, the housing 14 could be made from opaque material if the visibility of its contents is not desired. The housing 14 can be decorated with indicia, pictures, symbols, etc., and can accordingly be designed for use at a specific time of the year or holiday such as Halloween, or any other time of year or holiday. The decorations can be manufactured as part of the dispensing device 10, or the dispensing device 10 can be decorated, and even redecorated by an user. Indeed, the dispensing device 10 could come with a decorating kit so that it could be decorated by the purchaser. Such a kit could include a coloring applicator, such as markets, adhesive, figures, etc.

The treats 12 to be dispensed are placed in the reservoir 16 via the reservoir opening 32 formed in the rear wall 30. The opening 32 allows the dispensing device 10 to be refillable. Of course, the device could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. On the other hand, the reservoir opening 32 could be positioned at any other desirable location, such as on the top wall 38, and it could include a cover if desired, which cover could be a locking cover, if desired.

The dispenser 18 sequentially releases the treats 12 from the reservoir 16 to a portion of the passageway 24 positioned below the dispenser 18. The dispenser 18 will be discussed in further detail after discussion of the passageway 24.

The passageway 24 descends toward the receptacle 22 and is configured such that the treats 12 arrive at the receptacle 22 after an extended period of time for reasons to be discussed hereinafter. The passageway 24 could be in form or an elaborate winding path, or panels positioned at angles directing the treat 12 to the receptacle 22, or it could be a short drop to the receptacle 22, or any other suitable configuration. As shown in the FIGS. 1-3, the passageway 24 includes a plurality of panels 46 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the receptacle 22. Each of the panels 46 a-e has a bottom end 48 a-e. The panels 46 a-e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow the treats 12 to travel from one panel to an adjacent lower panel.

The first panel 46 a and the second panel 46 b are provided in the reservoir 16 and are adjacent to each other such that any treat 12 falling from the first panel 46 a will land on the second panel 46 b. The bottom end 48 b of the second panel 46 b is adjacent to the dispenser 18 such that the bottommost treat 12 on the second panel 46 b can enter the dispenser 18 when the dispenser 18 is properly aligned, as will be discussed. The third panel 46 c cooperates with the dispenser 18 such that any treat 12 released from the dispenser 18 will land on the third panel 46 c. The third panel 46 c could be continuous with the first panel 46 a. The third panel 46 c terminates above and adjacent to the fourth panel 46 d such that any treat 12 falling from the third panel 46 c will land on the fourth panel 46 d. Likewise, the fourth panel 46 d is above and adjacent to the fifth panel 46 e such that any treat 12 falling from the fourth panel 46 d will land on the fifth panel 46 e. The bottom end 48 e of the fifth panel 46 e is positioned adjacent to the receptacle 22 such that any treat 12 traveling on the fifth panel 46 e will land in the receptacle 22. A panel 47 is attached to the second panel 46 b and is continuous with the second panel 46 b. The panel 47 serves to support the second panel 46 b.

The configuration of the passageway 24 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a receptacle. Some such configurations may include passageways or chutes for the treats 12 to travel from the reservoir 16 to the receptacle 22, or the treats can otherwise be delivered to the receptacle, by for example, a rotating dispensing device that moves the treats past a receptacle where the treats can be removed from the rotating dispenser.

As will be explained in further detail hereinafter, the dispenser 18 is driven by the actuating mechanism 20. More particularly, the dispenser 18 shown in the figures is adapted to rotate when actuated. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispenser 18 includes a central portion 52 and a plurality of arms 54 a-d extending radially outwardly from the central portion 52. Each of the arms 54 a-d includes a free end 56 a-d. An opening 58 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 a-b, while an opening 60 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 b-c. Likewise, an opening 62 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 c-d, while an opening 64 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 d-a.

The opening 58 formed between the arm 54 a and the arm 54 b is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only a single treat 12. The opening 58 allows the treat 12 to fall from the dispenser 18. Also, the opening 62 formed between the arm 54 c and the arm 54 d is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only a single treat 12. The opening 62 allows the treat 12 to fall from the dispenser 18. A board 66 connects the free end 56 a of the arm 54 a to the free end 56 d of the arm 54 d so as to block access to the opening 64 thereby closing the opening 64, and a board 68 connects the free end 54 b of the arm 56 b to the free end 56 c of the arm 54 c so as to block access to the opening 60 thereby closing the opening 60. The purpose of the boards 66, 68 is to increase time between each dispensation. Any of the openings 58, 60, 62, and 64 could be open or closed to adjust the rate of dispensation.

Referring to FIG. 2, a treat 12 a can be loaded into the dispenser 18 when the opening 58 (as shown in FIG. 2) or 62 is substantially adjacent to the treat 12 positioned at the bottom end 48 b of the second panel 46 b. Because the second panel 46 b is inclined downwardly, the treat 12 moves into the dispenser 18 when the opening 58 or 62 is aligned with the treat 12.

As the dispenser 18 rotates to a position shown in FIG. 3, the free end 56 a of the arm 54 a prevents further treats 12 from being accepted into the dispenser 18. As the dispenser 18 continues to rotate, the treat 12 falls from the opening 62 onto the third panel 46 c when the free end 56 d of the arm 54 d is substantially facing the bottom wall 40. In this manner, the treats 12 can be sequentially released from the dispenser 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the dispenser 18 can accommodate up to two treats 12 a, 12 b at a time.

The configuration of the dispenser 18 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other dispensers or transfer devices to transfer the treats 12 from the reservoir 16 to the third panel 46 c. For example, the dispenser 18 could be a large rotating structure with a plurality of receptacles for treats. The time involved in rotating the structure to move treats to a dispensing point could provide the period needed to discourage an user from taking more than one treat. Alternatively, any other sequential dispensing mechanism could be employed in furtherance of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The actuating mechanism 20 includes a button 70, a linkage assembly 72, a lower sprocket 74, a ratchet assembly 76 attached to the lower sprocket 74, an upper sprocket 78 (see FIG. 9) attached to the dispenser 18, and a chain 79 trained around the lower sprocket 74 and the upper sprocket 78.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the button 70 includes a base 80 mounted to the front wall 26, a front portion 82, a rear portion 84 connected to the front portion 82, an opening 86 formed in the rear portion 84, a spring 88 positioned in a cavity 90 formed between the base 80 and the front portion 82. The button 70 is sized to move between an inner retracted position as shown in FIG. 5 when the front portion 82 is depressed by an user and an outer extended position as shown in FIG. 4. The spring 88 is sized to axially urge the button 70 to its outer extended position as shown in FIG. 4.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the linkage assembly 72 includes a horizontal driving arm 92 attached to the button 70 that drives a vertical driven arm 94. More particularly, a proximal end 104 of the horizontal driving arm 92 is attached to the rear portion 84 of the button 70 such that the horizontal driving arm 92 is movable conjointly with the button 70. A distal end 106 of the horizontal driving arm 92 is positioned adjacent to the rear wall 30 of the housing 14. The distal end 106 of the horizontal driving arm 92 includes a ramp mechanism, such as an inclined surface 108, to allow a wheel 96 of the vertical driven arm 94 to slide therealong. The horizontal driving arm 92 is adapted to move toward the rear wall 30 of the housing 14 when the button 70 is depressed as shown in FIG. 5. This motion causes the wheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along the inclined surface 108. A fulcrum 98 is sized to support the horizontal driving arm 92.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a proximal end 110 of the vertical driven arm 94 includes the wheel 96 which cooperates with the inclined surface 108, while a distal end 112 of the vertical driven arm 94 is attached to a lever arm 100 and is pivotable thereabout. The vertical driven arm 94 is adapted to move between a lower position as shown in FIG. 4, wherein the wheel 96 is positioned on the bottom of the inclined surface 108, and an upper position as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the wheel 96 is positioned on the top of the inclined surface 108. When the button 70 is released, a spring 102 urges the vertical driven arm 94 to its lower position as shown in FIG. 4 and the horizontal driving arm 92 moves toward the front wall 26 of the housing 14.

With reference to FIG. 6, the lever arm 100 has a proximal end 114 attached to the vertical driven arm 94 and a distal end 116 attached to the ratchet assembly 76. The proximal end 114 of the lever arm 100 pivots upwardly as the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its upper position as shown in FIG. 7, and pivots downwardly as the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its lower position as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ratchet assembly 76 includes a ratchet housing 118 having a plurality of teeth 120, a pawl 122 sized to engage the teeth 120, a steel ball 124 in slidable contact with the pawl 122, a spring 126 urging the steel ball 124 against the pawl 122, and a pin 128 extending through the pawl 122 and the distal end 116 of the lever arm 100, which attaches the pawl 122 to the lever arm 100. Referring to FIG. 7, the pawl 122 and the ratchet housing 118 cooperate such that when the lever arm 100 is pivotably moved upwardly, the pawl 122 catches the teeth 120, thereby preventing movement of the ratchet housing 118. When the lever arm 100 is pivotably moved downwardly as shown in FIG. 8, the pawl 122 slides over the teeth 120, which rotates the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner (when viewed through the rear wall of the housing), thereby advancing the chain 79. Alternatively, the present invention could be configured such that the ratchet housing 118 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.”

The lower sprocket 74 is attached to the ratchet housing 118 such that the lower sprocket 74 rotates conjointly with the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner as shown in FIG. 8. The chain 79 connects the lower sprocket 74 to the upper sprocket 78 such that when the lower sprocket 74 rotates in a certain direction, the upper sprocket 78 is caused to rotate in the same direction. The upper sprocket 78 is attached to the dispenser 18 such that the dispenser 18 rotates conjointly with the upper sprocket 78.

The configuration of the actuating mechanism 20 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other mechanisms to actuate the dispenser 18. For example, the present invention could employ other mechanical structures to actuate the dispenser 18. The present invention could also employ solenoids or other electronic mechanisms to actuate the dispenser 18. The present invention could employ a switch rather than a button.

To operate the dispensing device 10, an user depresses the button 70, thereby moving the horizontal driving arm 92 toward the rear wall 30 of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 5. The movement of the horizontal driving arm 92 causes the wheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along the inclined surface 108, thereby causing the vertical driven arm 94 to move from its lower position to its upper position. As the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its upper position, the lever arm 100 pivots upwardly as shown in FIG. 7. The pawl 122, in turn, catches the teeth 120 of the ratchet housing 118.

When the user releases the button 70, the horizontal driving arm 92 moves toward the front wall 26 of the housing 14 and the wheel 96 slides in an downward direction along the inclined surface 108 as shown in FIG. 4, thereby causing the vertical driven arm 94 to assume its lower position. As the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its lower position, the lever arm 100 pivots downwardly as shown in FIG. 8. The pawl 122, in turn, slides over the teeth 120, thereby rotating the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner. The ratchet assembly 76 rotates the lower sprocket 74 causing the teeth 130 of the lower sprocket 74 to engage the links of the chain 79 and thereby revolve the chain 79 around the lower sprocket 74 and the upper sprocket 78. The rotation of the upper sprocket 78 causes the dispenser 18 to rotate.

The user repeatedly depresses the button 70 and releases the button 70, which will cause the dispenser 18 to rotate incrementally between various positions. The user continues to depress the button 70 and release the button 70 in order to rotate the dispenser 18 until the treat 12 releases from the dispenser 18 and falls onto the third panel 46 c. The treat 12 then travels down the third panel 46 c and falls onto the fourth panel 46 d. The treat 12 travels down the fourth panel 46 d and falls onto the fifth panel 46 e. The treat 12 travels down the fifth panel 46 e to the receptacle 22. The user accesses the treat 12 through the opening 28 in the front wall 26 when the treat 12 is positioned in the receptacle 22.

If the user attempts to retrieve a second treat 12 from the dispensing device 10, the user will be required for a second time to repeatedly depress the button 70 and release the button 70 to rotate the dispenser 18 until the second treat 12 releases from the dispenser 18. The user will have to repeat the operation each time for any additional treat 12.

The dispensing device 10 is configured such that a single treat 12 is released from the dispenser 18 after an extended period of time since it takes time for an user to repeatedly depress and release the button 70. In view of the number of panels 46 a-e, the passageway 24 is configured such that the treat 12 arrives at the opening 32 after an extended period of time. Thus, an extended period of time (e.g., many seconds or even one minute) is required between each dispensation. This extended period of time discourages an user from taking more than one treat 12 because the user would have to wait for another period of time for additional treats. Thus, a time delay is imposed between actuating the dispenser and sequentially releasing treats.

It should be noted that numerous other advantages are provided by the dispensing device 10. For example, the dispensing device 10 can be used at a house during Halloween when the occupants are not at home or otherwise elect not to open their door.

FIGS. 10-12 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, indicated generally as 110, that is used to dispense a plurality of treats 112. The dispensing device 110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensing device 10, the dispensing device 110 includes a housing 114, a reservoir 116, a dispenser 118, an actuating mechanism 120, a receptacle 122, and a passageway 124.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the actuating mechanism 120 includes a manually operable knob 111 that is interconnected with a first end of an axle 113. The knob 111 rotates the axle 113 when turned, which in turn rotates the lower sprocket 174. The axle 113 is supported at a second end by axle support 115. A chain 179 rides the lower sprocket 174 and extends about the upper sprocket 178 (see FIG. 11).

With reference to FIG. 12, a proximal end 117 of the axle 113 is positioned within an opening 186 formed in a base 180 of the knob 111 such that the axle 113 is movable conjointly with the knob 111. A distal end 119 of the axle 113 is attached to the lower sprocket 174 such that rotation of the axle 113 and the knob 111 causes the lower sprocket 174 to rotate. The support 115 extends through a rear wall 130 and is sized and configured to support the axle 113.

To operate the dispensing device 110, an user grips the knob 111 and rotates the knob 111 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating the axle 113 and the lower sprocket 174 in a counterclockwise manner. Rotation of the lower sprocket 174 drives the chain 179 around the lower sprocket 174 and the upper sprocket 178. The rotation of the upper sprocket 178 causes the dispenser 118 to rotate. The gearing of the upper sprocket and the lower sprocket can be such that numerous rotations of the knob are required to move the upper sprocket sufficiently to move the dispenser sufficiently to dispense a treat.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided. The dispensing device 210 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise. The dispensing device 210 includes a housing 214, a reservoir 216, a dispenser 218, an actuating mechanism 220, and a receptacle 222.

The dispenser 218 is a large rotating structure with a pair of openings 211 and 213 that are sized to contain a treat 212. The openings 211 and 213 are diametrically opposed to each other. A treat 212 can be loaded into the dispenser 218 when the opening 211 or 213 is substantially adjacent to the treat 212 a positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 216. The treat 212 falls from the opening 211 or 213 when the dispenser 218 is rotated to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 13. A panel 215 is provided for the treats 212 to travel from the dispenser 218 to the receptacle 222.

The actuating mechanism 220 includes a button 270 and a circuit unit 217. The circuit unit 217 includes various conventional electrical/electronic components, such as a circuit board, a motor, and a power source (e.g., a battery). The button 270, the circuit unit 217, and the dispenser 218 are in electrical communication with each other such that when an user depresses the button 270, the dispenser 218 is actuated and rotates a pre-set amount. As such, the button 270 must be depressed multiple times to effect dispensation of a treat 212. Alternatively, a time delay can be programmed such that when an user depresses the button 270 only once, the dispenser 218 is actuated and dispenses a treat 212 after an extended period of time.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise.

FIG. 14 shows a dispensing device 310, wherein a dispenser 318 is preloaded with treats 312. Alternatively, the device 310 could include a reservoir of treats and can self-reload as described herein with respect to other embodiments. The dispensing device 310 also includes a housing 314 and an actuating mechanism 320, which includes a button 370 and a circuit unit 317, for actuating the dispenser 318. As with other embodiments of the invention, a delay tactic is employed to consume time from an initial actuation effort to dispensation of a treat. Here, the delay tactic could comprise a time delay in an electronic circuit or the requirement of numerous actuations of an actuator. Alternatively, manual actuation techniques associated with other embodiments of the invention can be employed.

The dispenser 318 is a large rotating structure with a plurality of openings 311 along its perimeter. The openings 311 are sized to contain the treats 312. A cut-out 313 is formed in a front wall 326 to provide access to the bottommost opening 311 a of the dispenser 318.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 410 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise. The dispensing device 410 includes a housing 414, a reservoir 416, a dispenser 418, an actuating mechanism 420, and a receptacle 422 positioned between the dispenser 418 and the reservoir 416.

The actuating mechanism 420 operates and is constructed in manners similar to the actuating mechanism 120 (see FIGS. 10-12). The actuating mechanism 420 includes a manually operable knob 411, a lower sprocket 474, a chain 479, and an upper sprocket 478. A projection member 413 is attached to the chain 479 and moves conjointly with the chain 479. The projection member 413 is sized to engage the dispenser 418 for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.

The dispenser 418 is in the form of a L-shaped member 415 with a first arm 417 and a second arm 419. The L-shaped member 415 is sized to move about a pivot area 421. The L-shaped member 415 moves between a relaxed position and an extended position. A spring 416 is provided to urge the L-shaped member 415 to its relaxed position. The first arm 417 includes a distal end 423 sized to engage the projection member 413, and the second arm 419 includes a distal end 425 that has a slot 427. Contact between the first arm 417 and the projection member 413 moves the L-shaped member 415 to its extended position.

A plunger 429 is connected to the distal end 425 of the second arm 417 by a pin 431 received in the slot 427. The pin 431 is sized to slide in the slot 427 as the L-shaped member 415 moves between its relaxed and extended positions. The plunger 429 is movably connected to the L-shaped member 415 such that the plunger 429 moves in a horizontal direction as the L-shaped member 415 moves for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.

The reservoir 416 includes two vertical walls 431, 433, a pair of springs 435, a bottom plate 437 connected to the springs 435, and a top plate 439. The treats 412 are vertically stacked on the bottom plate 437 and between the two walls 431, 433. The springs 435 are connected to the bottom plate 437 and are sized to axially urge the treats 412 upwardly toward the top plate 439.

The top plate 439 is connected to the back wall of the housing 414. The top plate 439 includes an extension member 441 that is connected to the front wall of the housing 414. The top plate 439 is sized to function as a stop and inhibits the treats 412 from moving after the treats 412 come into contact with the top plate 439. The top plate 439 also inhibits the plunger 429 from moving after the second arm 419 of the L-shaped member 415 comes into contact with the top plate 439.

To operate the dispensing device 410, an user grips the knob 411 and rotates the knob 411 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating the chain 479 and the projection member 413. The user continues to rotate the knob 411 until the projection member 413 comes into contact with the first arm 417 of the dispenser 418 and moves the first arm 417 upwardly to thereby pivot the L-shaped member 415 to its extended position. As the first arm 417 moves upwardly, the second arm 419 moves toward the reservoir 416. This motion causes the plunger 429 to move in a horizontal direction, thereby moving the treat 412 a horizontally. The plunger 429 continues to move in a horizontal direction until the second arm 419 contacts the top plate 439. The plunger 429 moves the treat 412 a such that a sufficient portion of the treat 412 a is extended beyond the reservoir 416 so as to allow the treat 412 a to tip and fall in a vertical direction toward the receptacle 422 The first arm 417 then moves downwardly due to the spring 416 so as to move the L-shaped member 415 to its relaxed position.

FIGS. 16-19 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 510 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 510 is simplified in terms of components.

As with other embodiments of the present invention, the dispensing device 510 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, a hook 542 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 514 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 510 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house.

The dispensing device 510 includes the housing 514 that has a reservoir, such as an upper storage hopper 516, that can be loaded with treats 512 and the treats 512 can be stored in the storage hopper 516 for subsequent dispensation. One or more shelves 546 a-b lead the treats 512 from the storage hopper 516 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 518.

The rotating member 518 has a recess 511 therein, which could assume the shape of, for example, a pie with a slice removed. A treat 512 is allowed to fall into the recess 511 of the rotating member 518 and travel with the rotating member 518 as the rotating member 518 is rotated. The rotating member 518 includes a gear 513 driven by an actuating mechanism 520. An axle 515 extends through the rotating member 518 and serves to hold the rotating member 518 in place. The axle 515 is supported by an axle support 517 (see FIG. 18).

The actuating mechanism 520 includes a drive gear 519 which can be accessed from the exterior of the housing 514 through a manually operable handle 521. An axle 523 extends through the drive gear 519 and serves to hold the drive gear 519 in place. The handle 521 is interconnected to a first end of the axle 523 and rotates the axle 523 when turned, which in turn rotates the drive gear 519. The axle 523 is supported at a second end by an axle support 525 (see FIG. 18). A lock, in the form of a pawl 527, is sized to engage the drive gear 519 to allow rotation of the drive gear 519 in only a single direction.

When an user grips the handle 521 and rotates the handle 521 in a clockwise manner, the axle 523 and the drive gear 519 of the actuating mechanism 520 rotate in a clockwise manner. The drive gear 519 meshes with the gear 513 of the rotating member 518, which causes the rotating member 518 to rotate in an opposite, counterclockwise, manner. The gears 513, 519 are sized such that numerous rotations of the drive gear 519 are required to effectively rotate the rotating member 518 from a loading position (see FIG. 16) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 17), and back to a loading position. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that the handle 521 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The gear ratio between the drive gear 519 and the rotating member 518 can be varied, and the rotating member 518 could have more than one recess.

Once the rotating member 518 rotates sufficiently to allow the treat 512 to fall from the recess 511, the treat 512 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 522 where the treat 512 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 512, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the drive gear 519 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 518 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 512 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 512.

As shown in FIG. 19, the housing 514 can include a cover sheet 529 with decoration thereon such as a pumpkin 531, having an exaggerated stem 533 functioning as the storage hopper 516, the nose 535 comprising the handle 521 for the drive gear 519, and the mouth 537 comprising the receptacle 522. While the housing 514 is decorated for use during Halloween, the housing 514 can be decorated or designed for use at any time of the year or holiday, and the housing 514 could take on other shapes suitable for other holidays, e.g., a Christmas tree shape for the Christmas holiday.

FIGS. 20-23 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 610 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 610 is simplified in terms of components.

The dispensing device 610 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 642, 644 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 614 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 610 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. A plurality of anchors 611 a, 611 b, 613 a, 613 b are provided on the rear wall 630 of the housing 614 to removeably secure the hooks 642, 644 to the dispensing device 610. The dispensing device 610 is provided to a user without the hooks 642, 644 installed to facilitate packaging and shipping.

The hook 642 includes an arm 615 sized to pass through anchors 611 a, 611 b. More particularly, the arm 615 includes latches 617 a, 617 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 611 a, 611 b and to engage the anchors 611 a, 611 b. Likewise, the hook 644 includes an arm 619 sized to pass through anchors 613 a, 613 b. More particularly, the arm 619 includes latches 621 a, 621 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 613 a, 613 b and to engage the anchors 613 a, 613 b.

To insert the hooks 642, 644 to the dispensing device 610, an user slides the arm 615 through the anchor 611 a and the anchor 611 b. The user slides the arm 619 through the anchor 613 a and the anchor 613 b. The latches 617 a, 617 b of the arm 615 pass through the anchors 611 a, 611 b and engage the anchors 611 a, 611 b when the hook 642 is pulled away from the dispensing device 610. Similarly, the latches 621 a, 621 b of the arm 619 pass through the anchors 613 a, 613 b and engage the anchors 613 a, 613 b when the hook 644 is pulled away from the dispensing device 610. As such, the hooks 642, 644 can be used to hang the dispensing device 610 and support the dispensing device 610 on a surface. Alternatively, the dispensing device 610 could be manufactured with the hooks 642, 644 pre-installed and attached to the dispensing device 610 in any suitable manner.

The hooks 642, 644 have top ends 623, 625 that are spaced from the top of the dispensing device 610 a suitable distance, such as 12 inches. The hooks 642, 644 have a relatively thin thickness, such as 1/16 of an inch. It would be understood that the above dimensions are merely exemplary, and that the hooks 642, 644 can have other dimensions and the spacing between the top ends 623, 625 of the hooks 642, 644 and the top of the dispensing device 610 can be varied.

The housing 614 has a reservoir 616 that can be loaded with treats 612 and the treats 612 can be stored in the reservoir 616 for subsequent dispensation. One or more shelves 646 a-b lead the treats 612 from the reservoir 616 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 618.

The treats 612 to be dispensed are placed in the reservoir 616 via the reservoir opening 632 formed in the rear wall 630. The opening 632 allows the dispensing device 610 to be refillable. A cover 627 (see FIG. 22), which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 632. Of course, the dispensing device 610 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.

The dispensing device 610 has a width W (see FIG. 20) which could be approximately 18 inches, a height H (see FIG. 20) which could be approximately 24 inches, and a depth D (see FIG. 22) which could be approximately 3 inches. The treats 612 are in the form of balls that could be approximately 2.25 inches in diameter. The corners of the dispensing device 610 could be rounded, as shown, or beveled. It would be understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary, and that the dispensing device 610 and the treats 612 can have other dimensions.

The rotating member 618 includes a C-shaped cylinder 629 that has a recess 631 formed therein. The cylinder 629 has an uniform thickness. A treat 612 is allowed to fall into the recess 631 of the cylinder 629 and travel with the rotating member 618 as the rotating member 618 is rotated. A plurality of teeth 633 extend from the rear of the cylinder 629. A prong 635 extends from a block 636 mounted in the rear wall 630 and is sized to engage the teeth 633 of the rotating member 618 to allow rotation of the rotating member 618 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 618 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 635 and the teeth 633 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 635 slides over the teeth 633 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 618.

The dispensing device 610 includes a knob that includes a recessed front portion 637 which is interconnected with the rotating member 618. The knob includes a manually operable handle 641 that extends outwardly from the recessed front portion 637. The rotating member 618 is supported by a support ring 643 (see FIG. 22) formed on the back surface of the dispensing device 610. Alternatively, the knob could include a flat front portion.

When an user grips the handle 641 and rotates the handle 641 in a clockwise manner, the rotating member 618 rotates in a clockwise manner. The frictional resistance of the prong 635 and the teeth 633 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 618, as the rotating member 618 rotates from a loading position (see FIG. 20) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 21), and back to a loading position. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that the handle 641 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The rotating member 618 could have more than one recess.

Once the rotating member 618 rotates sufficiently to allow the treat 612 to fall from the recess 631, the treat 612 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 622 where the treat 612 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 612, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the handle 641 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 618 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 612 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 612.

FIGS. 24-28 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 710 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, unless stated otherwise.

The dispensing device 710 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 742, 744 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 714 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 710 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. A plurality of anchors 711 a, 711 b, 713 a, 713 b (see FIG. 28) are provided on the rear wall 730 of the housing 714 to removeably secure the hooks 742, 744 to the dispensing device 710. The dispensing device 710 is provided to a user without the hooks 742, 744 installed to facilitate packaging and shipping.

The hook 742 includes an arm 715 sized to pass through anchors 711 a, 711 b. More particularly, the arm 715 includes latches 717 a, 717 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 711 a, 711 b and to engage the anchors 711 a, 711 b. Likewise, the hook 744 includes an arm 719 sized to pass through anchors 713 a, 713 b. More particularly, the arm 719 includes latches 721 a, 721 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 713 a, 713 b and to engage the anchors 713 a, 713 b.

To insert the hooks 742, 744 to the dispensing device 710, an user slides the arm 715 through the anchor 711 a and the anchor 711 b. The user slides the arm 719 through the anchor 713 a and the anchor 713 b. The latches 717 a, 717 b of the arm 715 pass through the anchors 711 a, 711 b and engage the anchors 711 a, 711 b when the hook 742 is pulled away from the dispensing device 710. Similarly, the latches 721 a, 721 b of the arm 719 pass through the anchors 713 a, 713 b and engage the anchors 713 a, 713 b when the hook 744 is pulled away from the dispensing device 710. As such, the hooks 742, 744 can be used to hang the dispensing device 710 and support the dispensing device 710 on a surface. Alternatively, the dispensing device 710 could be manufactured with the hooks 742, 744 pre-installed and attached to the dispensing device 710 in any suitable manner.

The housing 714 has a passageway 724 that can be loaded with treats 712 and the treats 712 can be stored in the passageway 724 for subsequent dispensation. The passageway 724 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 718.

As shown in the FIGS. 24-28, the passageway 724 includes a plurality of shelves 746 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 718. Each of the shelves 746 a-e has a bottom end 748 a-e. The shelves 746 a-e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow the treats 712 to travel from one shelf to an adjacent lower shelf.

The first shelf 746 a and the second shelf 746 b are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the first shelf 746 a will land on the second shelf 746 b. Likewise, the second shelf 746 b and the third shelf 746 c are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the second shelf 746 b will land on the third shelf 746 c. The third shelf 746 c and the fourth shelf 746 d are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the third shelf 746 c will land on the fourth shelf 746 d. This continues until the treat 712 reaches the bottom end 748 e of the last shelf 746 e adjacent to the rotating member 718 such that the bottommost treat 712 can enter the rotating member 718 when the rotating member 718 is properly aligned. The configuration of the passageway 724 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotating member 718.

The treats 712 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 746 a via an opening 732 formed in the rear wall 730. The opening 732 allows the dispensing device 710 to be refillable. A cover 727, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 732. Of course, the dispensing device 710 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.

The rotating member 718 includes a C-shaped cylinder 729 that has a recess 731 formed therein. The cylinder 729 has an uniform thickness. A treat 712 is allowed to fall into the recess 731 of the cylinder 729 and travel with the rotating member 718 as the rotating member 718 is rotated. A plurality of teeth 733 extend from the rear of the cylinder 729. A prong 735 extends from a block 737 mounted in the rear wall 730 and is sized to engage the teeth 733 of the rotating member 718 to allow rotation of the rotating member 718 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 718 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 735 and the teeth 733 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 735 slides over the teeth 733 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 718. The prong 735 can be made from any material such as metal, while the block 737 can be made from any material such as plastic.

The dispensing device 710 includes a handle 739 which is interconnected with the cylinder 729 of the rotating member 718. When an user rotates the handle 739 in a clockwise manner, the rotating member 718 rotates in a clockwise manner. The frictional resistance of the prong 735 and the teeth 733 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 718, as the rotating member 718 rotates from a loading position (see FIG. 25) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 26), and back to a loading position. In the dispensing position, the cylinder 729 prevents further treats 712 from being accepted into the recess 731. The rotating member 718 is supported by a support mechanism 743 (see FIG. 27) formed on the back surface of the dispensing device 710. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that the handle 739 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The rotating member 718 could have more than one recess.

Once the rotating member 718 rotates sufficiently to allow the treat 712 to fall from the recess 731, the treat 712 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 722 where the treat 712 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 712, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the handle 739 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 718 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 712 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 712.

FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 810 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and the dispensing device 710 shown in FIGS. 24-28, unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensing device 710, the dispensing device 810 includes hooks 842, 844, a housing 814, a receptacle 822, and a passageway 824 that can be loaded with treats 812. The treats 812 can be stored in the passageway 824 for subsequent dispensation. The passageway 824 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 818.

As shown in the FIG. 29, the passageway 824 includes a plurality of shelves 846 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 818. The shelf 846 d includes a bottom section that has an arc region 847. The configuration of the passageway 824 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotating member 818.

The treats 812 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 846 a via an opening 832. The opening 832 allows the dispensing device 810 to be refillable. A cover 827, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 832. Of course, the dispensing device 810 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.

The rotating member 818 includes a C-shaped cylinder 829 that has a recess 831 formed therein. A treat 812 is allowed to fall into the recess 831 of the cylinder 829 and travel with the rotating member 818 as the rotating member 818 is rotated. A plurality of teeth 833 extend from the rear of the cylinder 829. A prong 835 extends from a block 837 and is sized to engage the teeth 833 of the rotating member 818 to allow rotation of the rotating member 818 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 818 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 835 and the teeth 833 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 835 slides over the teeth 833 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 818.

The dispensing device 810 includes a handle 839 which is interconnected with the cylinder 829 of the rotating member 818. When an user rotates the handle 839 in a counterclockwise manner, the rotating member 818 rotates in a counterclockwise manner. The frictional resistance of the prong 835 and the teeth 833 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 818, as the rotating member 818 rotates from a loading position to a dispensing position, and back to a loading position. In the dispensing position, the cylinder 829 prevents further treats 812 from being accepted into the recess 831. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that the handle 839 moves in a clockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “counterclockwise.”

FIGS. 30 and 31 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. The dispensing device 910 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and the dispensing device 810 shown in FIG. 29, unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensing device 810, the dispensing device 910 includes hooks 942, 944, a housing 914, a receptacle 922, and a passageway 924 that can be loaded with treats 912. The treats 912 can be stored in the passageway 924 for subsequent dispensation. The passageway 924 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 918.

The passageway 924 includes a plurality of shelves 946 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 918. The configuration of the passageway 924 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotating member 918.

The treats 912 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 946 a via an opening 932. The opening 932 allows the dispensing device 910 to be refillable. A cover 927, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 932. Of course, the dispensing device 910 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.

The rotating member 918 includes a C-shaped cylinder 929 that has a recess 931 formed therein. A treat 912 is allowed to fall into the recess 931 of the cylinder 929 and travel with the rotating member 918 as the rotating member 918 is rotated.

The dispensing device 910 includes a handle 939 movably connected to the rotating member 918 and a slot 940 formed in the rotating member 918. The handle 939 is sized to slide in the slot 940. When an user slides the handle 939 in the slot 940 in a direction toward the treats 912, the rotating member 918 moves toward the dispensing position. In the dispensing position, the cylinder 929 prevents further treats 912 from being accepted into the recess 931. When an user slides the handle 939 in a direction away from the treats 912, the rotating member 918 moves toward the loading position.

The dispensing device 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 can employ an illumination source (not shown), such as a light bulb or an array of light emitting diodes. The dispensing device 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 can also be configured to emit a sound and/or other special effects upon actuation. The motif of the dispensing device 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 910 could be changeable.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A dispensing device comprising: a housing; a dispenser within said housing, said dispenser rotatably moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats contained in said housing; and a receptacle for receiving treats released by said dispenser, said receptacle accessible from outside of said housing.
 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a series of ramps for directing treats from through the dispensing device to said receptacle.
 3. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for actuating said dispenser, said dispenser pushing treats off a spring-biased stack of treats to a position at said receptacle when said actuator is rotated.
 4. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said dispenser comprises a hollow cylinder with an opening for receiving a treat, said dispenser rotatable in a full circle to move said opening to a position where the treat is released to said receptacle.
 5. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said dispenser includes gears and a prong sized to cooperate with said gears.
 6. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein said dispenser is rotated in a first direction to a loading position and then in a second, opposite direction to a dispensing position. 